The Grand Tour of Eastern Sicily
8 Nights - 9 Days
8 Nights - 9 Days
| Other Tours - Western Sicily & Basilicata (groups of 10 or more only) | |
| Western Sicily: Our tour starts in the medieval town of Erice before cycling along Sicily's most beautiful coast to Marsala, Mozia to Selinunte before cycling inland to Montevago, Palazzo Adriano, Masseria Susafa to our final destination, an almost undiscovered treasure on the Tyrolean Coast, Cefalu. | Basilicata: We start in Matera visiting the UNESCO heritage Sassi caves, a truly unique experience before moving on to Lake San Giuliano, Grottola, the scenic mountains and thick forests of Lucania before descending to the ancient town of Rabatana. We'll visit the diverse Pollino National Park, Santa Maria d'Anglona sanctuary and Terranova del Pollino before a challenge cycle with rewarding mountain views on the way to our final destination, Maratea, on the Tyrolean Sea. |
Eastern Sicily Tour: Challenging rides and hiking reveal the historic intrigues and proud passions of bewitching Eastern Sicily. We'll view perfectly preserved Greek temples, taste flamboyant specialties, experience local traditions and visit the "Seven Sisters" the heavenly Aeolian Islands.
Highlights
Photo Gallery
May 2008 Tour
Photos
Information:
Mt Etna | Siracusa | Taormina
2008 Itinerary
(Future Itineraries May Vary)
- Day 1: Siracusa (2.5km)
- Group arrival at Catania airport. Meet and greet with our Sicilian tour leader and transfer (approx at noon) by private van to Syracuse. Accommodation at the hotel. On your first spin, discover Siracusa, one of the most important Greek colonies, and a cultural and political center for thousands of years. Visit the ancient Neapolis, the archaeological park where all the Greek remains are well preserved. Bike testing in the historical centre of Ortigia. Welcome dinner at a typical Sicilian restaurant. (D) (2.5km)
- Day 2: Siracusa - Noto (80km)
- We'll bike an archaeological reserve and nature site riding along the coast through historic towns, a brief visit of Noto the capital of the Baroque-style district and enjoying the natural beauty of southern Sicily. (B, D)
- Day 3: Ragusa (70km)
- Roll through the remote sheep-herding district of Altopiano Ibleo, to reach the modern province of Ragusa. Visit Ragusa Ibla, the old centre of the town, built on a quarry after the 1693 earthquake. An afternoon of leisure at an historic hotel will relax your muscles after the first full day on the bike. (B, D)
- Day 4: Ragusa - Caltagirone (75km)
- Settled by the Greeks, Caltagirone is known for its azulejos (Spanish style glazed tiles). Explore the mansions and spacious squares of this charming town, and climb La Scala, the magnificent stairway. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
- Day 5: Morgantina - Catania (75km)
- Enjoy a panoramic ride over undulating hills to Morgantina, and stroll the extensive excavations of one of the world's best-preserved Greek cities. Proceed to Catania/Acireale area and accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
- Day 6: Catania - Mt. Etna - Taormina
- Visit Catania with its lively fish market and beautiful historical centre. Then, hike up Mt. Etna to see the volcano and absorb the magnificent views. Proceed by van to Taormina and visit the magnificent Greek Theatre. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
- Day 7: Taormina - Lipari (25km)
- Transfer by van to Milazzo port and by hydrofoil to Lipari, one of the seven sisters of "the Aeolian Islands" Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli & Vulcano. Visit the island by bike to view its deep caverns, steep cliffs, and magnificent beaches. Spend the afternoon strolling around the island, and visit the archaeological museum and local shops. Accommodation & dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
- Day 8: Salina - Lipari (21km)
- Relax on a private boat ride to Salina. Explore Salina's beauty and ancient history by bike. Malvasia wine tasting and local specialties for lunch. Return by boat to Lipari with arrival at the Catania airport at noon..
- Day 9: Lipari - Catania
- We leave Lipari in the morning, and escort you back to the Catania airport.
Pricing: Please e-mail David
Travel Features:
| Location | Hotel |
| (Hotels may change to equivalent accommodations prior to tour) | |
| Siracusa | Hotel Panorama 4* |
| Noto | Hotel Villa Favorita 3* |
| Ragusa | Locanda Don Serafino 3* |
| Caltagirone | Hotel Villa San Mauro 3* |
| Cantania-Acireale | Marina Palace 4* |
| Giardini Naxos | Hotel Panoramic 3* |
| Lipari | Hotel Bougainville 4* |
